Configurable health-care equipment apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus, system and method for providing health-care equipment in a plurality of customizable configurations. A configuration includes a selection and arrangement of health-care equipment modules that each provide specialized support for the provision of health care, including the measurement of physiological parameters. Various types of configurations include those adapted to be mounted upon a desk top or a wall surface, or adapted for wheel mounting or hand-carriable mobile configurations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a non-provisional patent application that claims priority andbenefit to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/228,249 thatwas filed on Jul. 24, 2009 and entitled “Configurable Health-CareEquipment Apparatus”, the aforementioned (61/228,249) patent applicationis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO PATENT APPLICATIONS INCLUDING RELATED SUBJECT MATTER

This patent application includes subject matter related to U.S.non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/663,395 published as U.S.Publication No. 2010/0005448, to U.S. non-provisional patent applicationSer. No. 11/905,811 published as U.S. Publication No. 2008/0082683, toU.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 11/905,828 published asU.S. Publication No. 20080140770, to U.S. non-provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 11/905,829 published as U.S. Publication No.20080133699, and to U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No.11/905,830 published as U.S. Publication No. 20080134133. All of theaforementioned patent applications are incorporated herein by referencein their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus, system and method for providinghealth-care equipment in a plurality of customizable configurations. Aconfiguration includes a selection and arrangement of health-careequipment modules that each provide specialized support for theprovision of health care, including the measurement of physiologicalparameters. Various types of configurations include, but are not limitedto, those adapted to be mounted upon a desk top, bed frame or a wallsurface, or adapted for wheel mounting or hand carriable mobileconfigurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Health care practitioners, such as nurses and physicians, use varioustypes of health-care equipment to assist with the task of providinghealth care to a patient. A patient is also referred to herein as ahealth-care recipient. Some health-care equipment, referred to assingle-function equipment, is designed to perform a particular function,such as to perform temperature measurement of a health-care recipient.Some health-care equipment, referred to as multi-function equipment, isdesigned to implement the performance of more than one function, such asthe performance of temperature measurement and blood pressuremeasurement of a health-care recipient. Such multi-function equipmentmay impose excess bulk and/or weight upon a user if such multi-functionequipment is used for only one function or a subset of the functionsimplemented by the multi-function equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an apparatus, system and method for providinghealth-care equipment in a plurality of customizable configurations. Aconfiguration includes a selection and arrangement of health-careequipment modules that each provide specialized support for theprovision of health care, including the measurement of physiologicalparameters. Various types of configurations include those adapted to bemounted upon a desk top, a bed frame or a wall surface, or adapted forwheel mounting and/or adapted to be hand carriable as a mobileconfiguration.

In one aspect, the invention provides a frame for integrating aplurality of health-care equipment modules. The frame includes asupporting structure providing a mechanical interface for supportingeach of a plurality of modules at one time, each of the plurality ofmodules including an embedded component, and an electrical interfaceproviding a data transfer mechanism between a computing component andthe embedded component, and where the computing component is configuredfor providing a software interface enabling a software connectionbetween the computing component and the embedded component, the softwareinterface configured to establish interoperation between the computingcomponent and the embedded component, and where at least one ofelectrical power and data is configured to be transferred between thecomputing component and the embedded component via at least one of theelectrical interface and the software interface.

In some embodiments, the data transfer mechanism includes a universalserial bus (USB), a universal serial bus (USB) host and a universalserial bus (USB) hub, and a universal serial bus (USB) module end-pointconnection. Optionally, the universal serial bus (USB) module end-pointconnection is designed for connection to the embedded component. Oneimplementation is where a universal serial bus (USB) cable provides theuniversal serial bus (USB) module end point connection. The universalserial bus (USB) cable having a first end electrically attached to theuniversal serial bus (USB) host via the universal serial bus (USB) huband a second end electrically attached to the universal serial bus (USB)module end-point connection.

Regardless of the design of the data transfer mechanism, in someembodiments, at least one module is configured to input information froma sensory device. Optionally, the sensory device is configured formeasurement of a physiological parameter and/or the sensory device is ahand-held device. Also, in some embodiments, the hand-held device is amedical diagnostic instrument.

In some embodiments, the universal serial bus (USB) module end-pointconnection supplies voltage within universal serial bus (USB) standardswhile supplying current substantially in excess of universal serial bus(USB) standards. Optionally, the computing component is electricallyattached to a non-module universal serial bus (USB) hub connectionaccessible from an exterior of the frame and from an exterior of amodule mechanically attached to the frame via the supporting structure.

Optionally, within the aforementioned type of embodiment, the non-moduleuniversal serial bus (USB) hub connection supplies voltage and currentwithin universal serial bus (USB) standards and wherein the universalserial bus (USB) module end-point connection supplies voltage withinuniversal serial bus (USB) standards while simultaneously supplyingcurrent substantially in excess of universal serial bus (USB) standards.

Optionally, the aforementioned type of embodiment, the computingcomponent transmits a command at least through one of a non-moduleuniversal serial bus (USB) host to an external component or theuniversal serial bus (USB) to the embedded component, to transition to asleep mode. Optionally, the universal serial bus (USB) module end-pointconnection supplies voltage at about 4.75 volts to about 5.25 volts andsupplies current at about 0.1 amperes to about 1.5 amperes. Optionally,the computing component and the universal serial bus (USB) end-pointmodule connection is isolated via a five-volt to five-volt isolationtransformer. Optionally, enclosure includes an external recessed portionbeing sized to provide an available volume within which the universalserial bus (USB) cable can pass through while attached to the universalserial bus (USB) connector. In some embodiments, the electricalinterface is provided as a standard feature of a commercially availablecomputer, whereby the computer can function as the computing component.

Regardless of the amount of current supplied, the software interfaceexecutes a protocol communicating at least one of avendor-identification value and product-identification value from theembedded component to the computing component via the universal serialbus (USB) module end point connection, and interoperation can bepermitted or denied based upon said at least one of said vendoridentification value and said product identification value. Optionally,the software interface executes a WACP communication protocol thatincludes communication of a global unique identifier from the moduleembedded component to the power and computing component via the powerand data connection, and wherein interoperation is permitted or deniedbased upon a value of the global unique identifier.

In some embodiments, the frame is further configured to be one of adesktop configuration, a wall configuration, a mobile configuration, ahand-carriable configuration, or a bed configuration. Each of thedesktop configuration, the wall configuration, the mobile configuration,the hand-carriable configuration, and the bed configuration interoperatewith equipment modules without modification to the mechanical interface,the electrical interface, or the software interface of the module. Themodule is configured to be attached and detached from any one of thedesktop configuration, the wall configuration, the mobile configuration,the hand-carriable configuration, and the bed configuration. The frameas a supporting structure has means for enabling mechanical attachmentto each of a plurality of health-care equipment modules at one time.

Optionally, the enclosure includes a detachable panel, the removal ofthe panel creating an opening within the enclosure, the openingproviding access to enable at least one module embedded component to betransferred into and out of said cavity. The enclosure can include afront panel having a first configuration, the front panel being one of aplurality of differently configured front panels that each have aconfiguration that may be unique and different from the firstconfiguration. The front panel can provide a user interface between saidmodule and a user of the module. Each of a plurality of differentlyconfigured front panels can be further configured for attachment,detachment, and re-attachment to an enclosure.

In another aspect, the invention includes an enclosure for the module,the enclosure having a discrete width corresponding to an integer numberof multiple units of width, the discrete width corresponding to a widthof the module. Optionally, the module is designed as a docking stationfor a hand-held device.

As a docking station, it is designed for at least one of an otoscope, anophthalmoscope, a rhinoscope, a laryngnoscope, an anoscope, anaudiometer, a tympanometric instrument, a thermometer, and avaginoscope. Optionally, the module is at least one of a blood pressuremeasuring module and a pulse oximetry measurement module. Optionally,the module performs printing of information that is collected and/orstored within another module. Also, a module can be designed as adispenser, a storage unit, or a cup holder.

In another aspect, the invention provides an enclosure including aninterior cavity, an embedded component disposed therein, and amechanical interface enabling attachment relative to a supportingstructure, and where the interior cavity is dimensioned to surround theembedded component, and where the embedded component is configured forelectrical interoperation with a computing component located external tothe enclosure, and where the enclosure includes a data connectionproviding an electrical interface enabling an electrical attachmentbetween the computing component and the embedded component, and wherethe embedded component being configured for software interoperation withthe computing component, and where the embedded component includessoftware providing a software interface enabling a software connectionbetween the computing component and the embedded component; and where atleast one of electrical power and data configured to be transferredbetween the computing component and the embedded component via at leastone of the electrical interface and the software interface.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method for providinghealth-care equipment in a plurality of customizable configurations. Themethod includes steps of providing at least one enclosure including anembedded component configured for measurement of a physiologicalparameter, the enclosure including a mechanical interface and includingan electrical interface, providing a supporting structure frame forproviding physical support for the at least one enclosure via themechanical interface, providing a computing component configured forproviding a software interface enabling a software connection betweenthe computing component and the embedded component, the softwareinterface configured to establish interoperation between the computingcomponent and the embedded component via the electrical interface, andwhere at least one of electrical power and data is configured to betransferred between the computing component and the embedded componentvia at least one of the electrical interface and the software interface,and where the supporting structure is configured to be incorporated intoa desktop configuration, a wall configuration, a mobile configuration, ahand-carriable configuration, or a bed configuration.

In some embodiments of this method, the electrical interface is providedas a standard electrical interface feature of a commercially availablecomputer and the computer functions as the computing component.Optionally, the software interface establishes interoperation uponsuccessful execution of a protocol communicating at least one of avendor-identification value and product-identification value from theembedded component to the computing component. Optionally, at least oneof said universal serial bus (USB) module end point connections isimplemented as a standard universal serial bus (USB) connector that isconfigured to transfer current that may be substantially in excess ofuniversal serial bus (USB) standards, and wherein said connector isaccessible and attachable to a standard universal serial bus (USB) cablefrom outside of said enclosure, but not necessarily from outside of amodule assembly.

In another aspect of the invention, a system for providing health-careequipment in a plurality of customizable configurations. The systemincludes at least one enclosure including an embedded componentconfigured for measurement of a physiological parameter, the enclosureincluding a mechanical interface and including an electrical interface,a supporting structure providing physical support for the at least oneenclosure via the mechanical interface, a computing component configuredfor providing a software interface enabling a software connectionbetween the computing component and the embedded component, the softwareinterface configured to establish interoperation between the computingcomponent and the embedded component via the electrical interface, andwhere at least one of electrical power and data is configured to betransferred between the computing component and the embedded componentvia at least one of the electrical interface and the software interface;and where the supporting structure is configured to be incorporated intoa desktop configuration, a wall configuration, a mobile configuration, ahand-carriable configuration, or a bed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The objects and features of the invention can be better understood withreference to the claims and drawings described below. The drawings arenot necessarily to scale, and the emphasis is instead being generallyplaced upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Within thedrawings, like reference numbers are used to indicate like partsthroughout the various views. Differences between like parts may causethose like parts to be each indicated by different reference numbers.Unlike parts are indicated by different reference numbers.

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a plurality of views of an assembled mobile frameapparatus configuration including three health-care equipment modules.

FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate various views of a module structure.

FIGS. 3A-3E each illustrate an aspect of an embodiment of a power andcomputing component (PACC).

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate views of an assembled desk top mountedconfiguration including a plurality of health-care equipment modules andperipheral components.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate views of an integrated wall mountedconfiguration. This configuration includes a plurality of five (5)health-care equipment modules each designed to interoperate with arespective peripheral component.

FIGS. 6A-6H each illustrate embodiments of a socket module structureshown in various states of assembly.

FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate views of an integrated bed mounted moduleapparatus configuration 710.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate views of a pole mounted and bed frame attachedmodule apparatus configuration.

FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate views of a side rail attached module apparatus.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate views of a variety of alternative embodimentsof frame supporting structures, health-care equipment modules andperipheral components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate views of an integrated mobile frame (MF)apparatus configuration including three (3) health-care equipment (HCE)modules. Health-care equipment modules, also referred to herein as HCEmodules or modules, are designed to integrate into and operate withinother and different types of apparatus configurations in addition tothat of the MF apparatus configuration shown here.

The three HCE modules, shown in various viewing perspectives in FIGS.1A-1D, are configured (designed) to be detached and removed from onetype of apparatus configuration, such as from the integrated MFapparatus configuration (FIG. 1A), and attached to and integrated withinanother and different type of apparatus configuration, such asintegrated within a desk top mounted type of apparatus configuration(FIG. 4A), or integrated within a wall mounted type of apparatusconfiguration (FIG. 5A), for example.

The three HCE modules referred to above, are also characterized as beingcross configuration interoperable (CCI), because these modules aredesigned to be operable within more than one type of apparatusconfiguration. The HCE modules having CCI characteristics are alsoreferred to herein as CCI types of HCE modules, or simply CCI modules.An HCE module not designed to be interoperable within more than one typeof apparatus configuration, is characterized as being a non-CCI type ofHCE module. All HCE modules referred to herein will refer to a CCI typeof HCE module, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view 100 of a mobile frame (MF)apparatus configuration 110 optionally including three CCI health-careequipment (HCE) modules 112-116. A temperature measurement module 112 isaccessible from the front side, and a pulse oximetry (SPO2) measurementmodule 114 and a non-invasive blood pressure module (NIBP) 116 areaccessible from a left hand side of the MF apparatus configuration 110.An upper handle portion 120 is also visible from this viewingperspective 100. The handle portion 120 enables the MF 100 to be handcarriable with relative ease.

A front side of the MF apparatus 110 includes a user interface display118 and an outer surface of a temperature measurement module 112, alsoreferred to as “SureTemp” module 112. The Sure Temp module 112, is alsocommercially known as the Welch Allyn Sure Temp Thermometer. A “module”refers to a combination of a module structure and optionally one or moreperipheral and/or embedded components associated with the modulestructure. A module structure is also referred to herein as a moduleenclosure. The outer surface, seen as a front panel 112 a of atemperature measurement module 112 (shown in FIG. 1A) is actually theouter surface of a module structure, like the outer surface of anothermodule structure 210 shown in FIG. 2A.

The module 210 of FIG. 2A includes a different front panel than that ofmodule 112 and accordingly module 210 performs different functionality(blood pressure measurement) than functionality performed by module 112(temperature measurement). The temperature measurement module 112 isdesigned to measure body temperature of a health-care recipient.

The temperature measurement module 112 includes a module structureincluding a front panel 112 a, also referred to herein as a face plate112 a. The front panel 112 a having an outer surface accessible from thefront side of the MF apparatus configuration 110. The front panel 112 aincludes access to a well (not shown) storing a removable probe (notshown) attached to a probe handle 112 b (shown). The probe and itsattached probe handle 112 b are tethered to the module 112 via aninsulated conductor 112 c. The probe is designed to make physicalcontact with a patient in order to sense a body temperature of thepatient.

A left hand side of the MF apparatus configuration 110 includes an outersurface of each of the HCE modules 114-116. An SPO2 type of HCE module114 is designed to measure oxygen content, within the blood of apatient. A non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) type of HCE module 116 isdesigned to measure blood pressure of a patient.

As shown, the SPO2 module 114 includes a module structure including afront panel 114 a, also referred to herein as a face plate 114 a. Thefront panel 114 a includes an outer surface accessible from the leftside of the MF apparatus configuration 110. The front panel 114 aincludes a connector 114 b that enables a connection between otherperipheral SPO2 component(s) (not shown) and the SPO2 module 114residing within the MF apparatus 110. The other peripheral SPO2component(s) reside external to the MF apparatus 110 and the SPO2 moduleenclosure 114 and are configured to interoperate with the SPO2 module114 when connected to the SPO2 module via connector 114 b.

As shown, the NIBP module 116 includes a front panel (face plate) 116 ahaving an outer surface accessible from the left side of the MFapparatus configuration 110. The front panel 116 a includes a connector116 b that enables a connection between other peripheral NIBPcomponent(s) (not shown) and the NIBP module itself 116 residing withinthe MF apparatus 110. Other peripheral NIBP component(s) that resideexternal to the MF 110 and the NIBP module 116 and are configured tointeroperate with the NIBP module 116 when connected to the NIBP modulevia connector 116 b.

FIG. 1B illustrates a variety of exterior views of a mobile frame (MF)apparatus configuration 110. View 130 illustrates the front side of theMF 110 as shown without a probe and handle inserted within thetemperature measuring module. View 132 illustrates the left side of theMF 110 that includes access to the front panel of each of the HCE module114 and the HCE module 116. View 134 illustrates a right side of the MF110 while view 136 illustrates an upper side of the MF 110 including ahandle portion 120. View 138 illustrates a bottom side of the MF 110 andview 140 illustrates a rear side of the MF 110.

FIG. 1C illustrates a left side perspective and exploded view of the MF110. As shown, the SPO2 module 114 and the NIBP module 116 as they areoriented and integrated within the MF 110. The embedded surface of thetemperature measurement module 112 is also shown.

During operation, both modules 114 and 116 are electrically connected toa power and computing component (PACC) (not shown here) located insideof the MF 110. In some embodiments, the PACC is connected to each module114 and 116 via a power and/or data cable, such as a universal serialbus (USB) cable (not shown here). An embodiment of the PACC and a powerand/or data cable is shown in FIGS. 2E and 3A.

FIG. 1D illustrates an exploded view of the MF 110 from a right sideperspective. A partial rear perspective view of the SPO2 modulestructure 114 and of the NIBP module structure 116 as they are orientedand integrated within the MF 110 are shown. Also shown is a partial rearperspective view of a recessed portion 142 of the module enclosure 114(also seen as 218 of FIG. 2A) and a rear perspective view of thetemperature measurement module 112. The recessed portion 142 provides avolume of space within which a USB cable can occupy and pass throughwhile the USB cable is attached to a USB connector (not shown) attachedto an inner surface within the recessed portion 142 of the modulestructure 114.

FIG. 1E illustrates a rear perspective view of the MF 110. Within thisview, the rear-side view 140 and the right hand side 134 view of the MFare visible. A rear perspective view of the probe handle 112 b and theinsulated conductor 112 c are visible. Also visible is the handleportion 120 of the MF 110.

FIG. 1F illustrates the MF 110 as it is mounted onto a mobile stand 150to function as an embodiment of a mobile configuration. As shown, themobile stand 150 includes an attached utility basket 152 and issupported by a plurality of wheels 154 that enable the MF 110 to betransported along a floor surface. A lower portion of the insulatedconductor 112 c is shown as being disposed within the utility basket152. As shown, the utility basket 152 can be used to constrain thedisplacement of the insulated conductor 112 c, also referred to as acord.

The design of an HCE module, such as the modules 112-116 illustratedwithin FIGS. 1A-1D, allows for one design and method of manufacture thatcan be employed to manufacture one type of HCE module capable of beingattached to and integrated within a plurality of different types ofhealth care apparatus configurations. Upon integration, theinteroperation of the HCE module with each type of configuration isindistinguishable across different types of apparatus configurations.

Such a design of an HCE module allows for separate inventories of eachtype of HCE module that do not need to be created or maintained basedupon what particular type of apparatus configuration the HCE module islater attached to and integrated into. The aforementioned benefits aloneyield improved design, manufacturing and quality control efficiency fora variety of HCE modules.

Further, such a design allows for quality control testing that can beperformed for that module regardless of what type or particularapparatus configuration the HCE module is later integrated into. Also,such testing of the HCE module, can be performed, in whole or in part,while the HCE module is not attached to an apparatus configuration, butinstead attached to another type of device, such as a personal computer,for example.

Furthermore, the functions performed by HCE modules typically requiresome form of federal drug administration (FDA) testing, and such FDAtesting and approval can typically be performed upon each specific typeof HCE module design and manufacture, regardless of what types ofapparatus configurations that HCE module will later be integratedwithin. Hence, a CCI type of HCE module design, in some circumstances,can satisfy the FDA testing and approval requirements for a type of HCEmodule, regardless of how that HCE module is later integrated into avariety of different types of apparatus configurations, and withoutrequiring separate and/or further FDA testing and approval of that HCEmodule, while it is integrated into each type of apparatusconfiguration.

FIGS. 2A-2F each illustrate a view of an embodiment of a modulestructure 210, also referred to herein as a module enclosure 210, shownin various states of assembly. These figures also illustrate anembodiment of a frame structure 260 that functions as the embodiment ofthe MF 110, in that it constitutes a supporting structure that providesa mechanical interface for supporting each of a plurality of health-careequipment modules at one time.

FIG. 2A illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of anassembled module enclosure 210. As shown, the module enclosure 210 has agenerally rectangular shape and includes a front side having a faceplate 214, also referred to as a front panel 214. The face plate 214 isdesigned to be detachable from the remainder of the module enclosure 210and includes an upper forward flange 222 a and a lower forward flange222 b. A rear side of the module enclosure 210 is located opposite tothe front side 214 and also includes an upper rear flange 220 a and alower rear flange 220 b. A recessed portion 218 can be seen from a leftside perspective view of the module enclosure 210. The recessed portion218 is also of a generally rectangular shape and is effectively notchedout from the overall shape of the module enclosure 210.

FIG. 2B illustrates a front perspective view of a disassembled moduleenclosure 210. As shown, the enclosure 210 is disassembled into threeportions, including a main housing 212, a face plate 214 and a sidepanel 216. The face plate 214 is designed to attach to and detach fromthe main housing 212. Also, the side panel 216 is designed to attach toand detach from the main housing 212. In this embodiment, the face plate214 is further designed so that it can attach to or detach from the mainhousing 212, whether or not the side panel 216 is also attached to themain housing 212. Also, the side panel 216 is further designed so thatit can attach to or detach from the main housing 212, whether or not theface plate 214 is also attached to the main housing 212.

The face plate 214 shown, referred to as a first front panelconfiguration, can be substituted with one of a plurality of differentlyconfigured front panels that each have a configuration that may beunique and different from the first configuration shown. The first frontpanel configuration provides at least one of a mechanical, an electricaland a software interface between at least one module embedded componentand a peripheral component located outside of the module enclosure 210,if at least one module embedded component is disposed within the moduleenclosure 210.

The first configuration provides at least one of a mechanical, anelectrical and a software interface between at least one module embeddedcomponent and a peripheral component located outside of the moduleenclosure 210, if the at least one module embedded component is disposedwithin the module enclosure. Optionally, the peripheral component is asensory device that interoperates with at least one module embeddedcomponent disposed within the enclosure. The front panel can, andtypically does, provide a user interface between the module and a userof the module. Each of the differently configured front panels arefurther configured for attachment, detachment, and re-attachment to theenclosure 210.

The main housing 212 includes a recessed portion 218 bounded by an uppersurface 218 a (not directly shown from this view) and two side surfaces218 b (partially shown from this view) and 218 c (not directly shownfrom this view) oriented perpendicular to each other. The upper surface218 a acts as a ceiling and the two side surfaces 218 b, 218 c act aswalls within the recessed portion 218. The recessed portion 218 providesa cavity (volume of space) effectively notched out from the overallshape of the main housing portion 212 of the module enclosure 210.

A universal serial bus (USB) connector (not shown from this view, see244 of FIG. 2C) is located along the side surface 218 c of the recessedportion 218. A USB cable (not shown) located outside of the moduleenclosure 210 attaches to the module enclosure 210 while passing throughthe cavity of the recessed portion 218 and attaching to the (USB)connector (see 244 of FIG. 2C).

A first side surface 218 b (partially shown) defines a plane orientedsubstantially parallel to a plane defined by the Y 204 and Z 206 axes,and is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the faceplate214, as it is attached to the main housing 212 of the module enclosure210. The second side surface 218 c (not shown in FIG. 2A) defines aplane oriented substantially parallel to a plane defined by the X 202and Y 204 axes and parallel to a plane defined by an outer surface ofthe faceplate 214, as the face plate 214 is attached to the main housing212.

When attached to the main housing 212, the face plate 214 forms a frontside of the enclosure 210 typically facing and physically accessible toa user of the HCE equipment. The face plate 214 includes an upperforward flange 222 a and a lower forward flange 222 b. A peripheralcomponent connection port 214 a resides within the face plate 214 andprovides for a connection mechanism to one or more peripheral components(not shown). The peripheral components are located outside of the moduleenclosure 210 and are designed to interoperate with any embeddedcomponents (see 280 of FIG. 2F) located within the module enclosure 210.As shown, the connection port 214 a is implemented as a mold insert intothe face plate 214.

The face plate 214 is designed to be snap fit attached to the mainhousing 212. To implement the snap fit, the main housing 212 includes anupper protrusion 224 a and a lower protrusion 224 b, each dimensioned toengage an upper slot 226 a and a lower slot 226 b (engagement not shownfrom this viewing perspective) of the face plate 214. As shown, theslots 226 a-226 b each form a cavity within the face plate 214. Theprotrusions 224 a-224 b each include an end piece 228 a-228 b,respectively, designed to occupy the cavity formed by each respectiveslot 226 a-226 b when the face plate 214 is fully attached (engaged) tothe main housing 212.

The side panel 216 is also designed to be snap fit attached to the mainhousing 212. To implement the snap fit, the side panel 216 includes anupper protrusion 232 a, a middle protrusion 232 b and a lower protrusion232 c dimensioned to engage an upper slot 242 a, a middle slot 242 b anda lower slot 242 c of a rear side 240 of the main housing 212 (shown inFIG. 2C). The slots 242 a-242 c each form a cavity within the rear side240 of the main housing 212. The protrusions 232 a-232 c each include anend piece 234 a-234 c designed to pass through the cavity formed by eachrespective slot 236 a-236 c of the rear side 240 of the main housing212, when the side panel 216 is fully attached to the main housing 212.

FIG. 2C illustrates a rear-side view 240, a left-side view 246, afront-side view 248 and a bottom-side view 250 of the module enclosure210 of FIGS. 2A-2B. The rear side 240 is substantially parallel to aplane defined by the X 202 and Y 204 axes. The viewing direction of therear-side view 240 is substantially parallel to the Z axis 206. Theviewing direction towards the left-side view 246 is substantiallyparallel to an X axis 202. The viewing direction towards the front-sideview 248 is substantially parallel to a Z axis 206. The viewingdirection towards the bottom-side view 250 is substantially parallel toa Y axis 204.

From the viewing perspective towards the rear side 240, the slots 242a-242 c, the USB connector 244, recessed portion 218, the second sidesurface 218 c bounding the recessed portion 218 and surrounding the USBconnector 244 residing along the second side surface 218 c, are visible.The module enclosure 210 is designed to electrically attach to a USBcable (not shown) via the USB connector 244. While attached to the USBconnector 244, a portion of the USB cable occupying the cavity of therecessed portion 218 would be oriented (directed) substantially parallelto the Z axis 206 and substantially perpendicular to the second sidesurface 218 c.

The left-side viewing perspective 246 shows the recessed portion 218 andthe first side surface 218 b bounding the recessed portion 218. Asshown, the face plate 214 is shown from its left side and is attached tothe main housing 212. From the bottom-side viewing perspective 250, therecessed portion 218 and the upper surface 218 a bounding the recessedportion 218 are visible.

From the viewing perspective of the front side 248, the peripheralcomponent connection port 214 a is fully visible. The recessed portion218 is not visible from this viewing perspective of the front side 248.While attached to the connection port 214 a, a peripheral component (notshown) would attach to the module enclosure 212, typically via a tube orcable (not shown), while the attached tube or cable proximate to theconnection port 214 a is oriented substantially parallel to the Z axis206.

FIG. 2D illustrates a left-side view of the module enclosure 210 as itis attached to an embodiment of a frame 260. The embodiment of the frame260 shown includes an upper rail 262 a and a lower rail 262 b. Themodule enclosure 210 includes an upper rear flange 220 a and a lowerrear flange 220 b. As shown, the upper rear flange 220 a of the moduleenclosure 210 is physically engaged with the upper rail 262 a of theframe 260 and the lower rear flange 220 a of the module enclosure isphysically engaged with the lower rail 262 b of the frame 260.Accordingly, a module structure (enclosure) 210 is classified as a frameattached component. A frame 260 resides within an integrated assembly(see 270 of FIG. 2E).

In this embodiment, the lower rail 262 b restrains the module enclosure210 from movement in a downward direction in response to forces ofgravity. The upper rail 262 a restrains the module enclosure 210 frommovement in a clockwise rotational direction in response to forces ofgravity. As a result, the module enclosure 210 is held stationary viaphysical engagement with the frame 260.

In this embodiment, the frame 260 is mounted onto a mounting rail 256fixedly disposed onto a wall structure (not shown). As a result, theframe 260 is held stationary to the wall structure. In otherembodiments, the frame 260 and portions and/or features of the frame,can be mounted onto or embedded into another type of structure.

For example, individual modules of the mobile frame of FIG. 1A eachattach to a portion of the structure mobile frame 120 as if each modulewere attaching to the frame 260 of FIG. 2D. The flanges of each modulemake physical contact with structural features of the MF structure as ifthose MF structural features were an upper rail 262 a or a lower rail262 b of a frame 260. The MF structural features each can act as asegment of an upper rail 262 a or a lower rail 262 b of the frame 260.Also, as a frame like structure it can be configured to be disposedstationary relative to such as a desktop or onto a mobile structure,(not shown) for example.

In this embodiment, the frame 260 is made from a rigid material, such asextruded aluminum or molded plastic having rigid properties ofsufficient strength, for example, so that an insubstantial amount ofdeformation of the frame 260 occurs in response to the frame 260supporting one or more module enclosures 210.

To disengage the module enclosure 210 from the frame 260, the lower rearflange 220 b of the module enclosure 210 is lifted above the lower rail262 b and pulled away from the frame 260. Movement of the moduleenclosure 210 in the reverse direction engages the module enclosure 210with the frame 260.

FIG. 2E illustrates a front perspective and exploded view of anintegrated health care apparatus 270 including two module enclosures 210a-210 b physically attached to a frame 260. The components within thisview, when assembled together, form an integrated health care apparatus270. The mechanical, electrical and software attachment between one ormore modules and a frame is also referred to herein as an integratedapparatus or integrated assembly.

As shown, the mechanical interface between the frame 260 and the moduleenclosures 210 a-210 b, permits a first module enclosure 210 a to be ofa different width in relation to a second module enclosure 210 b. Moduleenclosures of various widths can be arranged adjacent to each other inan ordered sequence along a long dimension of the frame 260. This typeof integrated health care apparatus design provides for packing(horizontal stacking) of modules to eliminate unwanted spatial gapsbetween health care modules.

The module enclosure 210 a is shown as having approximately the samedimensions as the module enclosure 210 shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. The widthdimension of module enclosure 210 b, which is defined as being adimension parallel to the X axis 202 and a supporting rail of the frame260, is substantially larger (wider) in dimension than the widthdimension of the module enclosure 210 a.

As shown, the frame 260 is designed to enable mechanical attachment toeach of a plurality of health-care equipment modules 210 a-210 b at onetime. The frame includes at least one supporting axis, co-axial with thelower rail 262 b and substantially parallel to the X axis 202, and isoriented substantially orthogonal to the direction of gravity. The widthdimension is measured along a dimension (axis) of the attached enclosureparallel to the supporting axis, while the enclosure is attached to thesupporting rail. As a result, the mechanical interface permits anenclosure of a first module, to be of a different width in relation to awidth of an enclosure of at least a second module, while both the firstmodule and the second module are mechanically attached to the frame 260.A plurality of modules in addition to modules 210 a-210 b can beattached to the frame 260.

In some embodiments of the invention, each module enclosure 210 is sizedin accordance with one of a set of discrete widths and where eachdiscrete width is an integer number of multiple units of width. Forexample, each module enclosure can be dimensioned as a multiple of 35 mmunits of width, such as 35 mm, 70 m, 105 mm etc. In these embodiments,each of the discrete widths are selected for a particular enclosure inaccordance with a size of a module embedded component (not shown), alsoreferred to herein as a module component, that can be disposed withinthe module enclosure 210 a-210 b.

In the embodiment shown, a power and computing component (PACC) (notshown here) is enclosed within the module enclosure 210 b. The PACC isconfigured to transfer electrical power and data between itself and atleast one other module embedded component via an electrical interfaceand a software interface. In this embodiment, the other module embeddedcomponent resides within the module enclosure 210 a.

The frame 260 includes a cable passageway 264 (best shown in FIG. 2D)configured to accommodate passage of one or more universal serial bus(USB) cables (not shown). Each of the USB cables within the passagewayare employed to provide an electrical pathway that enables transfer ofpower and data (electrical attachment/software connection) between thepower and computing component 210 b and a module enclosure 210 aattached to the frame 260. Each of a plurality of these USB cablesprovide an electrical pathway to each respective one of a plurality ofmodules 210 a attached to the frame 260 at the same time.

The integrated health care apparatus 270 includes other components, suchas an upper housing panel 266 and a lower housing panel 268, and rightend cap 272 a and a left end cap 272 b. The upper housing panel 266 andlower housing panel 268, also referred to as the upper plate 266 and thelower plate 268, are designed to make physical contact with the frame260 and physical contact with the module enclosures 210 a-210 b whilethese plates 266-268 are attached to the frame 260. The end caps 272a-272 b are designed to bound the module enclosures 210 a-210 b arrangedadjacent to each other while attached to the frame 260. The end cap 272b also includes a power supply component (not shown) that supplieselectrical power to the PACC 210 b.

In this embodiment, the upper housing panel 266 snap fits over andaround an upper portion of the frame 260 and an upper flange 222 a ofthe modules 210 a-210 b in order to secure the modules 210 a-210 b intoa stationary (locked) position while mechanically attached to the frame260. When assembled, the upper housing panel 266 also contributes to acosmetic appearance of the integrated apparatus 270.

The lower housing panel 268 snap fits under and around a lower portionof the frame 260 and a lower flange 222 b of the modules 210 a-210 b inorder to secure the modules 210 a-210 b into a stationary (locked)position while attached to the frame 260. The lower housing panel 268also conceals wires, such as USB cables attached to the modules 210a-210 b (see FIG. 3B) and passing through the cable passageway 264. Whenassembled, the lower housing panel 266 also contributes to a cosmeticappearance of the integrated apparatus 270.

When the upper housing panel 266 and the lower housing panel 268 areunattached to the integrated assembly 270, each module enclosure 210a-210 b mechanically attached to the frame 260 is not attached in alocked position and can be lifted away from and detached from the frame260 without having to move another module enclosure attached to theframe 260. When the end caps 272 a-272 b are unattached to the frame260, each module 210 a-210 b mechanically attached to the frame 260 canbe repositioned along the frame 260, simply by sliding it along thelength of the upper rail 262 a and lower rail 262 b of the frame 260.

The frame 260, which is employed as a supporting structure for a moduleenclosure 210 a-210 b, can be incorporated into a variety of differentconfigurations, including, for example, a desktop configuration (seeFIGS. 4A-4D), a wall configuration (see FIGS. 5A-5D), a mobileconfiguration (see FIGS. 1A-1F), a hand-cartable configuration, or a bedconfiguration (see FIGS. 8A-8E, 9A-9D). A module enclosure 210 a-210 bcan be attached, detached and re-attached into different types ofconfigurations, such as between two or more of the aforementioned typesof configurations.

FIG. 2F illustrates a view of a module enclosure 210 lacking a detachedside panel 216 and including a module embedded component 280 disposedwithin the module enclosure 210. As shown, the side panel 216 of FIG. 2Ais detached from the module enclosure 210 in order to reveal the moduleembedded component 280. The module embedded component 280 is designed tofunction as a portion of a non-invasive blood pressure measuring (NIBP)device. In operation, a peripheral tube component (not shown), alsoreferred to as the tube, is connected between a blood pressure cuff (notshown) and the connection port 214 a. Air transfers between the moduleembedded component 280 and a blood pressure cuff (not shown) isperformed via the tube (not shown) and the connection port 214 a (Shownin FIGS. 2A-2B).

As shown in the aforementioned FIGS. 2A-2F, the module structure 210provides physical support relative to at least one module embeddedcomponent 280. The module embedded component 280 is configured toperform at least one function included within a provision of health careto a patient. The module structure 210 includes a mechanical interfacethat enables a mechanical attachment of the module structure 210relative to a frame structure 260. The module embedded component 280 isconfigured for interoperation with a power and computing component 210 blocated separate from the module structure 210. The module structure 210includes an electrical connection configured to provide a standardizedelectrical interface that enables transfer of at least one ofstandardized power and standardized data between the power and computingcomponent and the at least one module component 280.

FIGS. 3A-3E each illustrate an aspect of an embodiment of a power andcomputing component. This embodiment of the power and computingcomponent 210 b, like that shown in FIG. 2D, is also referred to hereinas a PACC 210 b, and is implemented to deliver power and data to othercomponents via a universal serial bus (USB). The universal serial bus(USB) is a standardized electrical interface configured (designed) tosupply both electrical power and data.

FIG. 3A illustrates a simplified external view of the embodiment of thepower and computing component (PACC) 210 b like that shown in FIG. 2E.Like a module enclosure 210, the PACC 210 b is designed as a frameattached component and when it is attached to a frame of an integratedapparatus, it resides within the integrated apparatus. As shown, thePACC 210 b includes a first set of five (5) power and/or data connectors312 a-312 e and a second set of five (5) power and/or data connectors,also referred to herein as the connectors 312 a-312 e and 314 a-314 e.These connectors 312 a-312 e and 314 a-314 e are physically locatedalong an outer surface of the PACC 210 b and are accessible forelectrical attachment with other components via a plurality of USBcables (not shown).

In some embodiments, the connectors of the first set 312 a-312 e and ofthe second set 314 a-314 e are assigned for separate purposes. Forexample, in the embodiment shown, the connectors of the first set 312a-312 e are assigned as “external device” connectors for interfacingwith one or more devices that reside external to the integratedapparatus within which the PACC 210 b and other modules reside. Theseexternal devices are not attached to the frame nor to any frame attachedmodule enclosure residing within the integrated apparatus within whichthe PACC 210 b resides. Separately, the connectors of the second set 314a-314 e are assigned as “internal” connectors for interfacing withapparatus integrated components, referred to as internal components,that reside internal to the apparatus configuration within which thePACC 210 b resides.

A module enclosure mechanically attached to a frame within an apparatusconfiguration is classified to reside internal to the apparatusconfiguration. Other components attached to that module enclosure, suchas one or more module-embedded components that reside internal to themodule enclosure, or peripheral components that reside external to themodule enclosure, are classified and referred to as residing within theapparatus configuration within which the module enclosure resides.

A PACC 210 b attached to the frame 260 of an apparatus configuration,also resides within (internal to) that apparatus configuration. Devicesthat do not reside within a particular apparatus configuration arereferred to herein as “external devices” relative to that particularapparatus configuration. Alternatively, in other embodiments, theconnectors 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e can each be assigned differentlywith respect to interfacing with various “internal” components or“external” devices.

Within the embodiment shown, the connectors 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e areimplemented as universal serial bus (USB) connectors. Each connector 312a-312 e, 314 a-314 e functions as a standard or non-standard universalserial bus (USB) end point connection 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e. Withinthis embodiment, external connectors 312 a-312 e, are implemented asstandard USB connectors. Unlike the external connectors 312 a-312 e, theinternal connectors 314 a-314 e are implemented as non-standard (extrafunctioning) USB connectors.

In accordance with the USB standard, each standard USB end pointconnection 312 a-312 e is configured to supply electrical power in theform of 5 volts of direct current (DC) and at a maximum supply rate of0.5 amperes (500 milliamperes) of current, yielding a maximum of 2.5watts of electrical power available to be received (drawn) by anotherUSB connected component. In accordance with the invention, eachnon-standard USB end point connection 314 a-314 e is configured tosupply electrical power in the form of 5 volts of direct current (DC)and at a maximum supply rate substantially in excess of 0.5 (500milliamperes) of current, yielding a maximum of electrical powersubstantially in excess of 2.5 watts.

In some embodiments, the non-standard USB end points are each configuredto supply a maximum of about 1.5 amperes of current. In someembodiments, a total aggregate current is limited to a maximum of about7.5 watts of electrical power available to be received (drawn) by USBconnected components.

Each USB end point connection 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e, whether it be astandard 312 a-312 e or a non-standard 314 a-314 e connection, is alsoconfigured to bi-directionally transfer digitized information betweenthe PACC 210 b and one or more components other than the PACC 210 b,such as for example, to transfer to and/or from a module embeddedcomponent (not shown) residing inside (internal to) the module enclosure210 a.

As shown, in this embodiment, the module enclosure 210 a includes apower and/or data connector 244 implemented as a USB end point connector244. The connector 244 is disposed within a recessed portion 218 of themodule enclosure 210 a of a particular HCE module. The module enclosure210 a embodies a module and can enclose (include) one or moremodule-embedded components (not shown).

As shown, a USB cable 308 is disposed between the PACC 210 b and themodule enclosure 210 a. The USB cable 308 is configured to be physicallyconnected (not shown) between a PACC USB connector 312 a-312 e, 314a-314 e and a USB connector of a component other than the PACC 210 b(another component), such as the module USB connector 244 of moduleenclosure 210 a. Alternatively, the cable 308 can be physicallyconnected to a USB connector (not shown) of another module enclosure(not shown) residing within the apparatus configuration, or to anotherdevice (not shown) not residing within the apparatus configuration. TheUSB cable 308 provides an electrical connection between the PACC 210 band other components residing within an integrated apparatus, such as,for example, within the module enclosure 210 a, as shown.

When connected, the USB electrical connection provides power from thePACC 210 b to the other components such as to one or moremodule-embedded components (not shown) that reside within the moduleenclosure 210 a (shown). The USB electrical connection further enablesbi-directional transfer of information, encoded as digitized data,between the PACC 210 b and other components, including for example, oneor more module-embedded components residing inside (internal) to themodule enclosure 210 a or module-embedded components residing inside(internal) to other module enclosures (not shown) or to peripheralcomponents residing outside of and electrically connected to a moduleembedded component within a module enclosure, or to devices residingoutside of the apparatus configuration altogether.

FIG. 3B illustrates a simplified block diagram of some of the internalcomponents of the power and computing component (PACC) 210 b. As shown,a central processing unit (CPU) 360 interfaces (communicates) with eachof two (2) USB host components 362 a-362 b. The non-module USB hostcomponent 362 a is configured to interface (communicate) with a USB hubcomponent 364 a. The USB hub component 364 a is configured to interface(communicate) with each of the five (5) USB end point connectors 312a-312 e. The USB host component 362 b is configured to interface(communicate) with a USB hub component 364 b. The USB hub component 364b is configured to communicate with each of the five (5) USB end pointconnectors 314 a-314 e.

The USB design incorporates four (4) conductors. Of these four (4)conductors, two (2) conductors are employed to transfer electrical powerand two (2) conductors are employed to transfer data. The FIGS. 3B and3C represent the transfer of binary encoded information (data) betweenthe CPU 360 and a USB host 362 a, 362 b, and the transfer of binaryencoded information (data) between a USB host 362 a, 362 b and a USB endpoint 312 a-312 e and 314-314 e respectively. The transfer of electricalpower to each USB end point does not occur along the same path as data,but such transfer of power to a USB end point is arranged via a powerbus (not shown) which is separate from the data paths shown in FIGS. 3Band 3C.

In this embodiment, the first set of external device connectors 312a-312 e are assigned to interface with devices that reside external tothe apparatus configuration. As previously described, these externaldevices are not attached to module enclosures 210 a that reside withinan apparatus configuration within which the PACC 210 b resides. Theseexternal device connectors function as standard USB end points, meaningthat no more than about 0.5 amperes of current is permitted to flow toan “external device” through this particular USB end point (connector).

When an external device is electrically connected to one of theseexternal device USB end point connectors 312 a-312 e, the USB hostcomponent 362 a detects such an electrical connection event, permits 100milliamps of electrical current to flow to the external component, andinitiates a USB protocol session with that component. During the USBprotocol session, information is exchanged between the USB host 362 aand the external device. During the USB protocol session, the externaldevice identifies itself by communicating to at least one of a vendoridentification value and a product identification value and negotiatesUSB connection parameters, including a maximum amount of current thatthe device will be allowed to draw from the PACC 210 b during its normaloperation.

In accordance with USB standards, the device is permitted to draw up toabout 500 milliamperes of current during its normal operation. If duringthe USB protocol session, the device does not communicate a vendoridentification value and a product identification value that representsa device permitted to interoperate within the integrated apparatus, thenthe device has failed to successfully complete the USB protocol sessionand as a result, the PACC 210 b will terminate transfer of electricalpower to the device. Hence, the device is denied electrical power fromthe PACC 210 b.

Conversely, if the device communicates a vendor identification value anda product identification value that represents a device permitted tointeroperate within the integrated apparatus, then power continues to betransferred in an uninterrupted fashion to the device during its normaloperation. Hence, interoperation between the PACC 210 b and the deviceis permitted or denied based upon successful transfer of at least one ofa valid vendor identification value and a valid product identificationvalue.

Within this embodiment, the second set of connectors 314 a-314 e areassigned to interface with internal components that reside within theintegrated apparatus within which the PACC 210 b resides. These internalcomponents are typically embedded or attached to module enclosuresattached to and reside internal to the apparatus configuration. Theseinternal component connectors 314 a-314 e function as non-standard andextra functioning USB end points that can optionally supply electricalcurrent substantially in excess of 500 milli-amperes. When an internalcomponent, such as a module attached or embedded component, iselectrically connected to one of these internal USB end point connectors314 a-314 e, the USB host component 362 b detects such an event, andpermits 100 milliamps of electrical current to initially flow to thecomponent, and initiates a USB protocol session with that component.During the USB protocol session, information is exchanged between theUSB host 362 b and the internal component.

As described above in association with external devices, during the USBprotocol session, the internal component identifies itself bycommunicating at least one of a vendor identification value and aproduct identification value and negotiates USB connection parameters,including a maximum amount of current that the device will be allowed todraw from the PACC 210 b during its normal operation. As an exception toUSB standards, the device is permitted to draw substantially in excessof 500 milliamperes of current during its normal operation.

As described above in association with external devices, if during theUSB protocol session, the internal component does not communicate avendor identification value and a product identification value thatrepresents a component permitted to interoperate within the integratedapparatus, then the component has failed to successfully complete theUSB protocol session and as a result, the PACC 210 b will terminatetransfer of electrical power to the internal component. Hence, theinternal component is denied electrical power from the PACC 210 b.

Conversely, if the internal component communicates a vendoridentification value and a product identification value that representsa device permitted to interoperate within the integrated apparatus, thenpower continues to be transferred in an uninterrupted fashion to thedevice during its normal operation. Hence, interoperation between thePACC 210 b and the internal component is permitted or denied based uponat least one of the vendor identification value and the productidentification value.

During the USB protocol session, the internal component negotiates USBconnection parameters, including a maximum amount of current that thedevice will be allowed to draw from the PACC 210 b via the internal USBconnector 314 a-314 e. In some embodiments, the internal component isallowed to draw up to about 1500 milliamperes of current from the PACC210 b via one of the USB connectors 314 a-314 e.

Upon successfully completing the USB protocol session, a communicationsprotocol such as, for example, Welch Allyn Communications Protocol(WACP) session may be initiated to further exchange WACP relatedinformation between software executing on the PACC 210 b and softwareexecuting on the internal component. In some embodiments, during theWACP session, the internal component transfers (communicates) a globalunique identifier (GUID) via the USB connection that further identifiesthe internal component to software executing within the PACC 210 b.

If the internal component fails to successfully perform within thecommunications protocol session, the PACC 210 b will terminate transferof information with the internal component and will continue to provideonly electrical power to the device. Conversely, if the internalcomponent continues to successfully perform within the communicationsprotocol session, then power and information transfer continue in anuninterrupted fashion to the internal component during its normaloperation.

The PACC 210 b receives electrical power transferred from a separatepower supply (not shown). In some embodiments, the separate power supplyincludes an alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) transformerdisposed within an end cap 272 b. In some embodiments, the transformer(not shown) supplies 15 volts of voltage and 4 amperes of current to thePACC 210 b. Because the PACC 210 b has a limited total current that itcan supply at any one time, in some circumstances, the PACC 210 b maynot be able to supply a particular amount of current requested by aparticular internal component or requested by a external device USBthrough a particular end point connection 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e.

The PACC 210 b is designed to supply a limited maximum total amount ofcurrent at any one point in time. For example, 500 milli-amperes ofcurrent were requested to be supplied to each of the ten (10) USBconnectors 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e at a particular point in time, thenthe PACC 210 b would be required to supply 5 amperes of total current atthat one point in time.

In some circumstances, the cumulative demand for current from theconnectors 312 a-314 e may exceed a maximum amount of current that canbe supplied by the PACC 210 b at a particular point in time. In thiscircumstance, software executing on the CPU 360 within the PACC 210 bcan optionally cause one or more USB end points to not be supplied arequested amount of current in order to supply current to other USB endpoints.

In some circumstances, the USB host 362 a, 262 b can transmit via theUSB protocol to the internal component or external device, a notice(status information) that an amount of current requested by thecomponent or device cannot be supplied to the component or device atthat particular time. As a follow up action, the amount of currentsupplied through a USB end point 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e to thecomponent or device is reduced for a period of time until further notice(status information) is transmitted from the USB host 362 a, 362 b tothe USB end point supplying current to a component or device.

At a later point in time, a further notice (status information) can betransmitted from the USB host 362 a, 362 b to the component or deviceindicating that more current or sufficient current to satisfy therequested current is available. For example, this status information canbe communicated to a module 210 b via an internal USB connector 314a-314 e, indicating that more current and/or the total requested currentis currently available. As a responsive action, the amount of currentdrawn by the module component or device and supplied through a USB endpoint 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e to the module component or device israised accordingly.

In some circumstances, the software can direct the USB host 362 a, 362 bto transmit a command through a particular USB end point 312 a-312 e,314 a-314 e to a receiving internal component or external device tocause that component or device to transition to a sleep mode. Such atransition can occur from another mode, such as from a normal mode ofoperation to the sleep mode. While operating in sleep mode, thecomponent or device requires and draws a substantially lower amount ofcurrent than an amount of current drawn during its normal operation.

At a later point in time, the software can direct the USB host 362 a,362 b to transmit a command through a particular USB end point 312 a-312e, 314 a-314 e to the receiving internal component or external device tocause that component or device to transition to normal operation when anamount of current sufficient to support the normal operation of thecomponent or device becomes available.

FIG. 3C illustrates a simplified block diagram of some of the internalcomponents of a second embodiment of the power and computing component(PACC) 310. Like the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the internal componentsinclude the (CPU) 360 interfacing with two (2) USB host components 362a-362 b which each interface with USB hub component 364 a and 364 brespectively, which each interface with the five (5) USB end pointconnectors 312 a-312 e and five (5) USB end point connectors 314 a-314e, respectively.

Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the end point connectors 312 a-312 eand 314 a-314 e are all assigned to interface with internal componentsand to function as non-standard and extra functioning USB end pointsthat can optionally supply electrical current substantially in excess of500 milli-amperes. Furthermore, one (1) of the end point connectors 312a-312 e and 314 a-314 e is assigned to interface with a third USB hub364 c instead of interfacing with an internal component or an externaldevice. The third USB hub 364 c interfaces with five (5) USB end points316 a-316 e, which are not included within the embodiment of FIG. 3B andare assigned to function as standard USB end points 316 a-316 e and tointerface with external devices.

In accordance with the arrangement of USB components within thisembodiment, the USB standard permits a USB hub 364 a-364 c to interfacewith another USB hub as if it were a USB end point. Consequently, aplurality of USB hubs can be interfaced and nested among other USB endpoints in this fashion in accordance with the USB standard.

FIG. 3D illustrates a simplified view of a second embodiment of the PACC310 implemented within an electronic circuit board. Like the PACC 210 bof FIG. 3A, the PACC 310 includes a plurality of USB end pointconnectors 312 a-312 e and 314 a-314 e. Unlike the PACC 210 b, the PACC310 further includes an additional plurality of USB end point connectors316 a-316 e. The USB end point connectors 312 a-312 e, 314 a-314 e and316 a-316 e assigned in accordance with the diagram of FIG. 3C.

The second embodiment also includes a special USB receiving end point318. As opposed to other USB end points (end point connections) 312a-312 e, 314 a-314 e and 316 a-316 e designed to transmit electricalpower, the USB end point 318 is designed to receive power and totransfer data to another host device, such as a personal computer. Insuch a scenario, the integrated apparatus is configured to act as a USBslave device to another device, such as a personal computer.

The PACC 310 implemented on a circuit board 312 is appropriate forincorporation into the mobile frame apparatus (MF) 110 of FIGS. 1A-1F.The circuit board 312 resides within a cavity (not shown) of the MF 110.The cavity enables a USB cable connection between each USB end point 312a-312 e and each module 112-116 that resides within the MF 110.

As opposed to the linear arrangement of frame attached modules shown inFIG. 2E, and later shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the modules of the MF 110are not all arranged along one line. For example, module 112 of the MFis not arranged along a same line as modules 114 and 116. Also, there isno frame attached and packaged PACC 210 b within then MF 110. Instead,the MF 110 includes an embedded and non-separately packaged PACC 310implemented as a circuit board.

Each USB end point connection to a module can include a 5 volt to 5 voltisolation transformer (not shown) that resides within the module. Thistransformer provides galvanic protection to a user and/or patient thatmay come into physical contact with the module. The transformer providesprotection from a possible malfunction in the apparatus that could causeexcessive voltage and current to discharge from the apparatus and causepossible injury to the user or patient.

FIG. 3E illustrates a commercially available computer functioning as apower and computing component (PACC) via a standardized electricalinterface provided by the computer. As shown, a computer 370 canfunction to test and operate one or more HCE modules 210 a. The USBcable 308 can establish an electrical connection between a USB connector372 and the USB connector 244 of the module 210 a. Such a USB connector372 is typically standard on many personal computers can connect to theUSB cable 302.

As shown, the standardized electrical interface may be provided as afeature of a commercially available computer, so that the computer canfunction as an embodiment of the power and computing component. Manymodule embedded components, prior to being embedded into a modulestructure in accordance with the invention, could have been embeddedwithin other prior art health-care equipment and supplied data and/orpower from other than a standardized electrical interface.

In many embodiments, the module structure substantially encloses themodule embedded component 280. In other embodiments of the invention,the module embedded component 280 can be removed from the modulestructure 210 and supplied via a standardized electrical interface inaccordance with the invention.

The module embedded component can optionally include software forinteroperation with the power and computing component. The softwareexecuting within the module embedded component operated in accordancewith a software interface to enable a software connection between thepower and computing component and the module embedded component. Thesoftware connection involves the execution of a communications protocolstack, such as for example, the Welch Allyn Communications Protocolstack. The software connection supported by and dependent upon theelectrical (power and data) connection. In the embodiments shown, theelectrical (power and data) connection is an USB end point connection.

Overall, the aforementioned use of the USB and its surrounding designand implementation provide an embodiment of a power and data transfermechanism between a source of electrical power and at least one modulecomponent that resides internal to an apparatus, or to a device thatresides external to an apparatus. That source of electrical power can beas convenient as a widely available personal computer or a wall outletAC-DC transformer with a USB connection that can plug into a walloutlet.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate views of an integrated desk top mountedconfiguration 410. This configuration 410 includes a plurality ofhealth-care equipment (HCE) modules 412-418 each designed tointeroperate with a respective peripheral component 422-428 (see FIG.4B).

FIG. 4A illustrates a front side perspective view of an embodiment of adesktop configuration 410. As shown, the desktop configuration 410includes four (4) HCE module enclosures 412-418 that each face and areeach accessible from a front side of the apparatus 410. Each of thesefour (4) HCE modules 412-418 are designed to provide physical support toa peripheral component (see FIG. 4B). Physical support is provided via adocking cradle type of mechanical interface, also referred to herein asa docking station, or cradle 412-418.

The cradles 412-418 each include side protrusions, such as the sideprotrusion 412 b and 418 b, for example, that assist with providingphysical support to a peripheral component 422-428 (see FIG. 4B)disposed within each respective cradle 412-418. Some of the cradles 412and 414 each include a rectangular-shaped well opening 412 a and 414 a(shown in FIG. 2B, for example), respectively. The cradle 416 includes acircular well shaped opening 416 a (shown in FIG. 2B, for example),respectively. The cradle 418 a does not include a well.

In some embodiments, each cradle 412-418 further provides an electricalinterface via an electrical connector (not shown) within each respectivewell to a peripheral component mechanically engaged with the cradle412-418 via the well. The electrical interface being designed totransfer electrical power from the cradle 412-418 to the peripheralcomponent. In some embodiments, the electrical interface furtherprovides for transfer of data between the cradle 412-418 and theperipheral component, for example, by employing a USB interface betweenthe cradle 412-418 and the peripheral component. Some peripheralcomponents require no electrical power from a source external to theperipheral component, and may be self powered via an internal battery.Other peripheral components may not require any electrical power.

An electronic display screen (EDS) 430 is disposed to the left side ofthe module enclosure 418. The EDS 430 is designed to be touch sensitiveand to provide a user interface to a user of the integrated apparatus410 via electronic display of text and graphics. The EDS 430 is designedto interoperate with a PACC (see FIG. 2D) that resides internal to theapparatus 410. In some embodiments, the EDS is an LCD display screen.The display screen shown has a diagonal dimension of 8.9 inches.

FIG. 4B illustrates a front side perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 4A including hand held peripheral components 422-428 disposedwithin the cradles 412-418. Each cradle 412 a-418 a is manufactured asat least a portion of a customized face plate attached to eachrespective module enclosure.

As shown, a hand held component 422, is an audiometer 422 employed formeasuring the acoustic sensitivity of a patient's ear, while the handheld component 424 is a tympanometer 424 employed for applying pressureto measure properties of an ear drum. Peripheral component 426 is anotoscope 426, which is a hand held sensory device employed for visualinspection of an ear or a nose cavity of a patient. Peripheral component428 is an otoscope tip dispenser 428, designed to store and dispensetips designed to attach onto an otoscope 426.

The peripheral components 422-426 are classified as medical diagnosticinstruments. Many other types of medical instruments can be integratedas a peripheral component that functions within a module. Such medicalinstruments include a rhinoscope, a laryngnoscope, an anoscope, anaudiometer, a tympanometric instrument, a thermometer, and avaginoscope, for example. In other embodiments, some modules function asnon-electrical (mechanical only) devices. For example, a module can beimplemented as a mechanical blood-pressure measuring device, adispenser, a storage unit, and a cup holder.

A printer module 432 is located above the EDS 430. Printing can beinitiated and controlled via the user interface provided by the EDS 430.The printer module 432 outputs printed paper through an external opening432 a located along the top side of the integrated apparatus 410. A pairof drawers 434, 436 are disposed on a lower side of the integratedapparatus 410. The drawers 434, 436 can be utilized for storage ofitems, typically related to the function of the HCE modules disposedwithin the apparatus 410.

FIG. 4C illustrates a variety of views of the embodiment of a desktopconfiguration 410. View 450 illustrates the front side of the desktopconfiguration apparatus 410 like that shown in FIG. 4A, while view 452illustrates the left side of the apparatus 410. View 454 illustrates aright side of the apparatus 410. View 456 illustrates an upper side ofthe apparatus 410, view 458 illustrates a lower side of the apparatus410, and view 460 illustrates a rear side of the apparatus 410.

FIG. 4D illustrates a rear side exploded view of the desktop apparatus410. A rear-side view of the module enclosures 412, 414 and 416 isshown. Also, a rear-side view of the printer 432 and its opening 432 ais also shown. A right end cap 472 is also shown.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate views of an integrated wall mounted configuration510. This configuration 510 includes a plurality of five (5) health-careequipment modules 512-520 each designed to interoperate with arespective peripheral component 422-428 (see FIG. 5B).

FIG. 5A illustrates a front side perspective view of an embodiment of awall mounted configuration. As shown, the wall mounted configuration 510includes four (4) HCE module enclosures 512-520 each accessible from afront side of the apparatus 510. Each of these four (4) HCE modules512-520 is designed to provide some type of physical support to a handaccessible component (see FIG. 5B). Physical support for each handaccessible component is provided via supporting protrusions (512 b-518b) that extend as a portion of the face plate of each module enclosure512-518.

The module enclosures 512-516 are shown as having approximately the samedimensions. The width dimension of module enclosure 518, which isdefined as being a dimension parallel to the X axis 202 and a supportingrail (not shown) within the apparatus 510, is substantially larger,about 3 times larger (wider) in dimension than the width dimension ofeach if the module enclosures 512-516. The module enclosure 520 is atemperature measuring module, like the temperature measuring module 112shown in FIG. 1A. Also, a blood-pressure meter 532 is mounted onto themodule enclosure 518. Hand accessible components designed tointeroperate with the blood pressure meter 532 are shown in FIG. 5B.

An electronic display screen (EDS) 530, like that shown in FIG. 4B, isdisposed to the left side of the module enclosure 520. The EDS 530 islarger and has a diagonal dimension of 7 inches and includes a largerpixel display area, than the EDS 430 of FIG. 4A. Like the EDS 430, theEDS 530 may be designed to be touch sensitive and provide a userinterface to health care providers using the integrated apparatus 510via electronic display of text and graphics. The EDS 530 is designed tointeroperate with a power and computing component (not shown) thatresides internal to the apparatus 510. In some embodiments, the EDS isan LCD display screen.

FIG. 5B illustrates a front side perspective view of the embodiment ofFIG. 5A including hand accessible components 542-548 disposed within thesupport structures such as the protrusions 512 b-518 b (see FIG. 5A).Each support structure 512 b-518 b is manufactured as a portion of acustomized face plate attached to each respective module enclosure512-518.

As shown, a hand accessible component 542 is an otoscope 542 employedfor visual inspection of body cavities, such as an ear or nose cavity ofa patient. Hand accessible component 544 is an otoscope tip dispenser544 designed to store and dispense tips designed to attach onto anotoscope 426. The hand accessible component 546 is an ophthalmoscope 546employed for visual inspection of the eye, and hand accessible component548 is a non-invasive blood pressure measuring device 548, whichincludes a blood pressure cuff 548 a, pressure bulb 548 b and pressuremeter 548 c.

As described in FIG. 1A, the temperature measurement module 520 isdesigned to measure body temperature of a patient and includes a frontpanel (face plate) 520 a, having an outer surface accessible from thefront side of the wall mounted configuration apparatus 510. The frontpanel 112 a includes access to a well (not shown) storing a removableprobe (not shown) attached to a probe handle 520 b (shown). The probeand its attached probe handle are tethered to the module 520 via aninsulated conductor 520 c. A probe cover dispenser 520 d is designed tostore a collection of disposable probe covers each dimensioned to bedisposed over the removable probe.

FIG. 5C illustrates a variety of views of the embodiment of the wallmounted configuration 510 of FIGS. 5A-5B. View 550 illustrates the frontside of the wall mounted configuration apparatus 510 like that shown inFIG. 5A, while 552 illustrates the left side of the apparatus 510. View554 illustrates a right side of the apparatus 510, view 556 illustratesan upper side of the apparatus 510, and view 558 illustrates a bottomside of the apparatus 510.

FIG. 5D illustrates a front side exploded view of the wall mountedapparatus 510. A front-side view of each of the module enclosures 512,514 and 516 is shown. Also, a rear-side view of the printer 432 and itsopening 432 a is also shown.

FIGS. 6A-6H each illustrate embodiments of a socket module structure610, also referred to herein as a socket module enclosure 210, shown invarious states of assembly. A socket module structure 610 is similar tothe module structure 210 of FIG. 2A in that it possesses overallexterior dimensions and features that enable it to attach to a frame,such as the frame 260 of FIG. 2E, for example. The socket module 610differs from the module structure 210 of FIG. 2A by being designed toreceive a portable component, also referred to herein as a portableinsert, or a plug. The portable insert is designed to be received intoan internal cavity within the module structure 610 (see FIG. 6C).

FIG. 6A illustrates a front perspective view of an embodiment of asingle slot socket module enclosure 610. As shown, the socket moduleenclosure 610 is of a generally rectangular shape and includes an openfront side lacking a face plate. Like the module enclosure 210, thesocket module enclosure 610 includes an upper forward flange 622 a and alower forward flange 622 b. Unlike the module enclosure 210, the upperforward flange 622 a and the lower forward flange 622 b do not reside ona face plate, but instead reside on the socket module enclosure 610. Arear side of the socket module enclosure 610 (not shown here) is locatedopposite to the front side. An upper rear flange 620 a and a lower rearflange 620 b are located proximate to and/or along the rear side of thesocket module enclosure 610. Unlike the module enclosure 210, the socketmodule enclosure 610 does not include a recessed portion notched outfrom the overall shape of the socket module enclosure, such as therecessed portion 218 shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 6B illustrates a front perspective view of a double slot socketmodule enclosure 630 including an attached portable insert 638. Asshown, a first (left most) slot 632 is shown as being empty (unoccupied)and a second (right most) slot 634 is shown as being occupied andincluding a portable insert 638 residing within it. As shown, when theportable insert 638 is fully inserted within a slot 634, the portableinsert 638 mechanically and electrically attaches to the socket moduleenclosure 630 via engagement between an electrical connector (not shown)located along the rear interior surface (not shown) of the slot 634 andan electrical connector located along the rear exterior surface (notshown) of the portable insert 638.

FIG. 6C illustrates a front perspective view of a double slot socketmodule enclosure 630 and a detached portable insert 638. As shown, afirst (left most) slot 632 and second (right most) slot 634 are shown asbeing empty (unoccupied). As shown, the portable insert 638 is fullywithdrawn from the slot 634, and the portable insert 638 is mechanicallyand electrically detached from the socket module enclosure 630.

FIG. 6D illustrates a perspective view of a power and data connectionbetween the portable insert 638 and slot 634 of socket module 630. Arear interior surface 652 of slot 634 is divided into an upper section652 a and a lower section 652 b. The upper section 652 a occupies anupper half and the lower section 652 b occupies a lower half of rearinterior surface 652 of the slot 634. The rear interior surface 652faces in an opposite direction relative to the rear exterior surface 650of a rear wall of the slot 634 receiving the portable insert 638.

Each section 652 a, 652 b includes a female USB connector 654 a and 654b respectively. The USB connector 652 a is centered within section 652 aand the USB connector 652 b is centered within section 652 b. Each USBconnector 654 a and 654 b is surrounded by a perimeter wall 656 having ashape like that of a RS-232 “D connector”. Either side of the perimeterwall 656 has a cylindrical cavity 658 a, 658 b designed to receive atapered protrusion associated with a complementary male USB connector.

A rear exterior surface 662 of portable insert 638 is divided into anupper section 662 a and a lower section 662 b. The upper section 652 aoccupies an upper half and the lower section 652 b occupies a lower halfof rear exterior surface 662 of the portable insert 638.

Each section 662 a, 662 b includes a male USB connector 664 a and 664 brespectively. The male USB connector 664 a is centered within section662 a and the male USB connector 664 b is centered within section 662 b.Each male USB connector 664 a and 664 b is surrounded by a perimeterwall 666 a and 666 b respectively, having a shape like that of a RS-232“D connector”. Either side of the perimeter wall 666 a-666 b has atapered protrusion 668 a and 669 a in section 662 a and 668 b, 669 b in662 b each designed to engage an inner surface of the cavity 659 a and658 a of section 652 a and 659 b and 658 b of section 652 b,respectively. The cavities 668 a, 669 a, 668 b and 669 b are alsoreferred to herein as pilot holes. Hence, 668 a and 669 a engage 659 aand 658 a respectively and 668 b and 669 b engage 659 b and 658 brespectively.

When the portable insert 638 is fully inserted into slot 634, the maleUSB connector 664 a engages female USB connector 654 a and the male USBconnector 664 b engages female USB connector 654 b. Accordingly,perimeter wall 666 a will engage and surround perimeter wall 656 a andperimeter wall 666 b will engage and surround perimeter wall 656 b.Tapered protrusion 668 a and 669 a will each engage an inner surface ofeach of the cavities 659 a and 658 a respectively, and taperedprotrusion 668 b and 669 b will each engage an inner surface of each ofthe cavities 659 b and 658 b respectively, and also referred to as pilotholes 658 a, 658 b, 659 a and 659 b.

Accuracy of the connection can be supported by tight tolerances betweenthe dimensions of the interior of the slot 634 and the exteriordimension of the portable insert 638. In some embodiments, thetolerances require that the height of the interior of the slot 634 to beequal to or less than 2 millimeters larger than the height of theexterior of the portable insert 638. Likewise, the tolerances requirethat the width of the interior of the slot 634 to be equal to or lessthan 2 millimeters wider than the width of the exterior of the portableinsert 638.

In some embodiments, a compartment (not shown) between the rear wall 652of slot 634 and the rear outer surface 650 (rear exterior side of thesocket module) (not shown here) can allow for a volume of space toelectrically connect each interior female USB connector that receiveseach male USB connector 664 a, 664 b of the portable insert 638, to eachof two (2) exterior female USB connectors residing along the rearexterior surface 650 (not shown here) to each receive a male USBconnector from a separate USB cable (not shown) from the PACC 210 b. Fora socket module embodiment, no notch to receive an exterior USB cable isemployed, and instead, the shape of the socket module is rectangular. Inother embodiments, one exterior female USB connector can be connected toone interior female USB connector where the module is configured toinclude only one full height portable insert.

FIG. 6E illustrates a front perspective view of a double slot socketmodule enclosure 630 that includes attached portable inserts 636 and638. As shown, when the portable insert 636 and 638 are fully insertedwithin each respective slot 632 and 634, each insert 636, 638mechanically and electrically attaches to the socket module enclosure630 via engagement between an electrical connector (not shown) locatedalong the rear interior surface (see 652 of FIG. 6D) of each respectiveslot 632, 634 and an electrical connector located along the rearexterior surface (see 662 of FIG, 6D) of each respective portable insert636, 638.

The portable insert 636 occupies a full slot 632, and the portableinsert 636 is actually a combination of two (2) half-height inserts,namely an upper half-portable insert 636 a and a lower-half portableinsert 636 b. Each half-height portable insert 636 a, 636 b includes aexterior male USB connector along its rear exterior surface as shown inFIG. 4D (see 662 a, 662 b of FIG. 4D) and designed to engage a femaleUSB connector along a rear interior surface of the slot 632 as shown inFIG. 4D (see 652 a, 652 b of FIG. 4D).

A half-height portable insert enables functionality to be more denselypacked into one (1) slot. As described above, each half-height portableinsert has an electrical power and data connection within each slot 632.Hence, each slot 632 provides two (2) electrical power and dataconnections for one full-height portable insert, or one (1) electricalpower and data connection for each of one half-height portable insert.

FIG. 6F illustrates a front perspective view of a double-slot socketmodule enclosure 630 that includes one (1) full-height extended portableinsert 642 and the full-height non-extended portable insert 638. Asshown, the portable insert 642 is fully inserted within slot 632 andportable insert 638 is fully inserted within slot 634.

The full-height portable insert 642 is designed to extend beyond thefront side of the socket module enclosure 630, and is referred to as anextended portable insert 642. An extended portable insert enables morevolume to be allocated to a particular portable insert within a slot 632of fixed size. In some circumstances, more volume may be required tosupport functionality, such as to perform a particular physiologicalmeasurement, that otherwise cannot be provided by an un-extended fullheight portable insert.

FIG. 6G illustrates a front perspective view of a double-slot socketmodule enclosure 630 that includes two (2) half-height extended portableinserts 644 a, 644 b and the full-height non-extended portable insert638. As shown, the portable inserts 644 a and 644 b are fully insertedwithin slot 632 and portable insert 638 is fully inserted within slot634.

The half-height portable inserts 644 a, 644 b are designed to extendbeyond the front side of the socket module enclosure 630, and arereferred to as extended portable inserts 642 a and 642 b. Extendedportable inserts enable more volume to be allocated to a particularportable insert. In some circumstances, more volume may be required tosupport functionality, such as to perform a particular physiologicalmeasurement, that otherwise could not be provided by an unextendedhalf-height portable insert.

FIG. 6H illustrates a front perspective view of a double-slot socketmodule enclosure 630 that includes two (2) half height extended portableinserts 644 b, 644 c and the full height non-extended portable insert638. As shown, the portable inserts 644 b and 644 c are fully insertedwithin slot 632 and portable insert 644 is fully inserted within slot634.

The half height extended portable insert 642 c functions as a socket,like the socket module 630 that it is inserted into, and this insert 642c is designed to receive another type of insertable component 646, whichis an edge card type of connector 646. The extended portable insert 642c is also referred to herein as a sub-socket and the insertablecomponent 646 is also referred to herein as a sub-insert.

FIGS. 7A-7F illustrate views of an integrated bed-mounted moduleapparatus configuration 710. This type of apparatus configuration isjust one example of how health-care equipment (HCE) modules, whether ofa non-socket or socket type, can be integrated into other objects, suchas furniture, that exist within a health care facility. Some of theseobjects, such as a portable (rolling) bed apparatus, are portable andcan travel with a health care facility patient. Hence, any physiologicalparameter monitoring function provided by HCE modules embedded in suchobjects can accompany and/or travel with a health care patient withinthe health care facility.

FIG. 7A illustrates a hand-held frame apparatus 720 integrated withinand attached to a head board 718 portion of a bed apparatus. Thisconfiguration 710 includes a plurality of two (2) health-care equipment(HCE) modules 722-724 integrated into a hand held frame apparatus 720integrated into bed headboard 718. Each HCE module 722-724 is configuredto provide specialized support for the provision of health care,including the measurement of physiological parameters.

As shown, the modules 722-724 are integrated into a hand held frameapparatus 720, also referred to herein as a holding unit 720, that hasan attached handle 726. The modules 722-724, the frame apparatus 720 andthe handle 726 are designed to be attached to each other as one unit andto be attached to or removed from the head board 718 as one unit. Uponremoval from the head board 718 the frame apparatus 720 is designed tobe held in one hand via the handle 726 of the frame 720.

The particular head board 718 shown is manufactured by the Hill-RomCorporation of Batesville, Ind. The head board 718 is generally planarin shape, and has been modified (adapted) to receive the hand held frame720 at a lower portion (corner) of a left hand side vertical edge of thebed head board 718, as shown in this figure. Notice that the head boardis shown from a viewing perspective of its outside surface in FIGS.7A-7C, and shown from a viewing perspective of its inside surface inFIGS. 7E-7F.

FIG. 7B illustrates the hand held frame apparatus 720 attached to thebed apparatus 718 and further attached via cables 728 to otherperipheral components (Shown in FIGS. 7E and 7F). This figure also showsa user interface monitor 730 disposed above the bed apparatus 718 via asupport pole 732.

The support pole 732 has a telescopic structure that includes multiplepole segments that each have a different inner diameter that enable two(2) adjacent pole segments to overlap and slide relative to each other.The length of the support pole 732 can fixed and secured via a poleclamp 734 located at an intersection between to adjacent pole segments.

FIG. 7C illustrates a hand-held frame apparatus 720 of FIG. 7B detachedfrom the bed apparatus 718 and suspended in the air while being held inone hand. The hand-held frame apparatus 720 is configured to be detachedfrom a first bed including the headboard 718 and attached (transferred)to another second bed (not shown) including the headboard, incircumstances for example, when transferring a patient from the firstbed to the second bed. While transferring the apparatus 720 betweendifferent beds, the peripheral components (not shown) may be detachedfrom the apparatus 720 to allow for more freedom of movement of theapparatus 720 during the transfer of the apparatus 720 between thedifferent beds.

FIG. 7D illustrates an isolated view of the apparatus 720. The viewingperspective 728 provides a close and front view of the HCE modules 722and 724 that reside within the apparatus 720. As shown, upon closeinspection of the module 722 which occupies a full slot of the apparatus720, the module 722 is actually a grouping of two (2) half heightmodules 722 a and 722 b.

The half-height module 722 a is an electrocardiogram (EKG) module thatincludes a female USB connector 742. The USB connector 742 is configuredto receive a USB cable having a male USB connector (not shown) attachedto an electrocardiogram (EKG) peripheral component, referred to as a“puck” (not shown). The puck is attached to a plurality of wires andelectrode contacts designed to be attached to a patient being monitoredunder the control of the electrocardiogram module 722 a.

The half-height module 722 b is an SPO2 module that includes a femaleserial (9-pin) connector 744. The connector 744 is configured to receivea serial cable having a male (9-pin) serial connector (not shown)attached to an SPO2 measuring peripheral component, referred to as anSPO2 “clip” (not shown). The SPO2 clip is attached to a patient beingmonitored under the control of the SPO2 module 722 b.

The full-height module 724 is a blood pressure measurement module thatincludes a pneumatic hose connector 746 to a blood pressure cuff (seeFIGS. 7E-7F). The connector 744 is configured to receive at least onepneumatic hose (not shown here) (see FIGS. 7E-7F) attached to the bloodpressure cuff. The blood pressure cuff is attached to a patient beingmonitored under the control of the SPO2 module 722 b.

Other views within this figure show the hand held frame apparatus fromvarious viewing perspectives. In this embodiment, the apparatus 720includes a battery so that it is self powered. In other embodiments, theapparatus is configured to receive power provided from the bedapparatus. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus is configured as aportable insert to that it can be inserted into a bed apparatus adaptedto provide a socket slot, as described in FIGS. 6A-6H.

FIG. 7E illustrates a view of an inside surface of the bed head board718 attached to the hand held frame apparatus 720 and attached to theuser interface monitor 730 disposed above the bed apparatus 718. Asupport tube 754 is configured to surround and support the support pole732 which is not visible in the figure (see FIG. 7F). A cable spool 756and a blood pressure cuff 758 are also attached to the inside surface ofthe bed head-board 718. The blood pressure cuff 738 is attached via apneumatic cable 728 attached to the module 724 which is located withinthe hand-held frame 720.

FIG. 7F illustrates a view of an inside surface of the bed head-board718 attached to the hand-held frame 720 and attached to the userinterface display monitor 730 disposed higher above the bed apparatus718. A support tube 754 is configured to surround and support thesupport pole 732 which is shown as being extended higher above the bedhead board 718 than shown in FIG. 7E.

The support pole 732 is constructed like a common telescopic tripodsupport pole where it expands and contracts in a telescoping likefashion. Expansion and contraction of the support pole 732 is arrestedvia one or more friction clamps 734 located at different locations alongthe pole 732 (see FIG. 7B).

The cable spool 756 is designed to store cable not immediately requiredto be in use. As shown, the cable spool 756 is being employed to storecable attached to the SPO2 measurement module 722 b of the hand heldframe apparatus 720. The cable spool 756 includes at least oneprotrusion 762 designed to engage the SPO2 clip 764 when it is not inuse.

As shown in the aforementioned FIGS. 7A-7F, a health-care equipmentmodule adapted to be integrated into the structure of a bed (bed frame)while the module is configured to perform measurement of a physiologicalparameter. The bed is adapted to incorporate the module within anexisting volume of space occupied by the bed and without substantiallyprotruding from the volume of space occupied by the bed before the bedis adapted to incorporate the module. The module is removably attachablefrom the bed and carriable via employment of one hand.

The bed frame can be further adapted to incorporate an electronicdisplay device and a supporting pole for the device. Optionally, thepole is configured to have a telescoping structure for adjustableexpansion and contraction of the pole in order to adjust a position ofthe display device. The bed frame can be adapted to incorporate a cablemanagement device to store excess cable that not in use at a particulartime. One or more cables can be each connected a module incorporatedinto the bed frame.

The hand-held frame apparatus 720 can be integrated into other objects,such as desks, chairs, tables, and sofas employed to provide support forhealth care patients. The invention is not intended to be limited by thespecific embodiments described herein and can be applied in mayforeseeable variants that provide benefits to the health care industry.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate views of a pole mounted and bed frame attachedmodule apparatus configuration 810. The pole mounted apparatusconfiguration 810 includes a combination of the mobile frameconfiguration (MF) 110 of FIGS. 1A-1F and a pole 812 attached to abottom side of the MF 110. The pole 812 is also attached to a portion ofa bed frame 816 via attachment 814. Like the embodiment shown in FIGS.7A-7F, this embodiment enables health care monitoring equipment toaccompany and/or travel with a health care patient within the healthcare facility, while the patient is lying on or proximate to the bedframe 816.

FIG. 8A illustrates the apparatus configuration 810 as it is attached toa bed frame 816 via an attachment 814 located proximate to a corner ofthe head board 818 of the bed frame 816. The pole 812 is positioned anddimensioned so that an adjustable portion 822 of the bed frame 816 canbe adjusted (tilted) within a range of angles without being obstructedby the apparatus 810. The pole 812 includes a pole adjustment handle 824that enables the pole and the attached MF portion 110 of the apparatus810 to be rotated along a vertical axis (not shown) parallel to a longdimension of the pole 812.

A side rail attached module apparatus 820 is shown as being disposedwithin an opening of a side rail 826 of the bed frame 816. As shown, theapparatus 820 is friction fitted within the opening of the side rail826. In other embodiments, clamps or straps can be employed to rigidlyattach the apparatus 820 to the side rail 826.

The side-rail attached apparatus 820 is configured to function in thesame manner as the hand-held bed frame apparatus 720 (see FIGS. 7A-7F).The side rail apparatus 820 is configured to include two (2) modules.Optionally one or both of these modules are socket modules (not shown)each configured to receive at least one portable insert.

As shown here, the side-rail apparatus 820 is a plastic prototype markuphaving the dimensions of another prototype (see side rail apparatus 910of FIG. 9A) configured to include one or more actual HCE modules.Employment of the side-rail apparatus 820, as opposed to employment ofthe head board embedded apparatus 720 for a particular be frame, enablesremoval of the head board 818 without disconnecting or moving cables, inorder to slide a patient from the bed apparatus 816 along the side ofthe bed frame 816 having a removable head board 818.

In some embodiments, the side rail apparatus 820 and the MF 110 of thepole supported apparatus 810 each include an external power and dataconnector (not shown), such as a USB connector, and are connected via aUSB cable (not shown) to enable the side-rail apparatus 820 to receiveelectrical power from the pole supported apparatus 810 via the USBcable.

FIG. 8B illustrates the apparatus configuration 810 while the adjustableportion 822 of the bed frame 816 is adjusted (tilted) to an anglesubstantially parallel to the floor upon which the bed frame 816 issupported. The bed frame 816 shown is adjustable between about a zerodegree angle (parallel to the floor) (shown here) and to an uprightangle within proximity of a 90 degree angle (not shown).

FIGS. 8C-8E each illustrate a closer view of the attachment 814 betweenthe pole 812 and the bed frame 816. FIGS. 8C-8D illustrate theattachment 814 to the bed frame 816 while the head board 818 is alsoattached to the bed frame 816. FIG. 8E illustrates the attachment 814 tothe bed frame 816 while the head board 818 is not attached to the bedframe 816.

As shown, the attachment 814 is a clamping mechanism that substantiallysurrounds and friction fitted around a horizontal bar 828 of the bedframe 816 (see FIG. 8E). The horizontal bar 828 has a rectangularcross-section (not shown) substantially surrounded by the attachmentclamp 814. A wing-nut screw mechanism (not shown) can further employedto turn into a threaded hole within the clamp 814 and to press againstthe horizontal bar 828 to created a tighter grip between the clamp 814and the bar 828.

The pole mounted and bed frame attached apparatus 810 does notsubstantially protrude from a horizontal cross section of the bed frame816 parallel to the floor (surface of the earth). In other words, theapparatus 810 protrudes vertically above the bed apparatus but does notsubstantially protrude horizontally away from the bed to substantiallymaintain a “foot print” of the bed apparatus within a health carefacility. Likewise, the hand held side rail attached apparatus 820 doesnot substantially protrude outside of a horizontal cross section of thebed frame 816 and further, does not protrude vertically above theexisting bed frame 816.

As described above, the (HCE) modules are attached to and interoperatewith a frame configured to be a desktop configuration, a wall-mountedconfiguration, a mobile configuration or a hand-carriable configuration.Each of the configurations is operable without requiring modification toany of the mechanical interface, the electrical interface or thesoftware interface between a module and a frame to which the module isattached.

FIGS. 9A-9E illustrate views of a side rail attached module apparatus910. A side rail attached module apparatus 910 is shown as beingdisposed within an opening of a side rail 826 of the bed frame 816. Asshown, the apparatus 910 is attached to the side rail 826 via a plateand two (2) screws (see FIG. 9E). In other embodiments, the apparatus isfriction fitted within the opening of the side rail 826. In otherembodiments, clamps or straps can be employed to rigidly attach theapparatus 820 to the side rail 826.

The side rail attached apparatus 910 is configured be hand held whenunattached to the side rail 826 and is configured to function in thesame manner as the hand held bed frame apparatus 720 (see FIGS. 7A-7F).As shown, the side rail apparatus 910 is configured to include one (1)module. Optionally and as shown, this module is a socket moduleconfigured to receive at least one portable insert 912.

Employment of the side rail apparatus 910, as opposed to employment ofthe head board embedded apparatus 720 for a particular bed frame,enables removal of the head board 818 without disconnecting or movingcables, in order to slide a patient from the bed apparatus 816 along theside of the bed frame 816 having a removable head board 818.

In some embodiments, the side rail apparatus 910 and the MF 110 of thepole supported apparatus 810 each include an external power and dataconnector (not shown), such as a USB connector, and are connected via aUSB cable (not shown) to enable the side rail apparatus 910 to receiveelectrical power from the pole supported apparatus 810 via the USBcable.

FIG. 9B illustrates the portable insert 912 being removed from the siderail apparatus 910. FIG. 9C illustrates the portable insert 912 as beingpartially inserted into a wall apparatus 920. The wall apparatus 920 isa different configuration as compared to the wall apparatus 510 of FIGS.5A-5D. FIG. 9D illustrates the portable insert 912 being fully insertedinto the wall apparatus 920.

FIG. 9E illustrates a bed bracket 920 for physically attaching the siderail apparatus 910 to the side rail 826 of the bed frame 816 (see FIG.9A). As shown, the bracket 920 includes screw holes 918 a (not shown)and 918 b (shown) that receive two (2) screws (not shown) passed throughholes 916 a-916 b of a plate 914. When attached to the side rail 826(not shown), the side rail 826 is disposed between the plate 914 and thebracket 920 so that the side rail 826 is “sandwiched” and pressedbetween the plate and the bracket 920 when the two (2) screws aretightened.

Hence, health care information gathered from the side rail apparatus 910via the portable insert 912 can be transferred to other moduleconfigurations, such as the wall mounted module apparatus 920.

FIGS. 10A-10F illustrate views of a variety of alternative embodimentsof frame supporting structures, health-care equipment modules andperipheral components. FIG. 10A illustrates a mobile wheel mounted cart1010 configuration 1010 that provides mechanical, electrical andsoftware interface support for hand held sensor devices each stored(docked) within a well 1012 a-1012 b. Each well 1012 a-1012 b isimplemented as a module enclosure that has a mechanical and electricalinterface with the cart 1010.

FIG. 10B illustrates a wall mounted 1010 configuration 1020 thatprovides mechanical, electrical and software interface support for handheld sensor devices each stored (docked) within a well 1022 a-1022 b.Each well 1012 a-1012 b is implemented as a module enclosure that has amechanical and electrical interface with the cart 1010. Moduleenclosures 1024 a-1024 c, like those shown in FIGS. 5A-5D are alsoincluded in this wall mounted configuration 1020.

FIG. 10C illustrates a close up view of two (2) desktop mounted modules.As shown, the modules 1030 a and 1030 b are supported on top of adesktop surface without mechanical attachment to a supporting structurelike that shown in FIGS. 2D-2E.

FIG. 10D illustrates an embodiment of a wall mounted configuration 1040that provides a mechanical, electrical and software interface for avariety of hand held sensor devices. As shown, how each module enclosureis disposed within this configuration 1040 varies widely. Regardless, anelectrical and software interface for each module is consistentthroughout this configuration 1040.

For example, an ophthalmoscope 1042 a and an otoscope 1042 b are eachaccommodated, each without a respective well, on the left side of thewall mounted configuration 1040. An SPO2 module connection 1044 a and ablood pressure (BP) measurement module connection 1044 b are embeddedinto and accommodated on a lower side of the wall mounted configuration1040. Also, four (4) forward facing modules slots 1046 a-1046 d areaccommodated proximate to a right side of the configuration 1040.Additionally, an infrared (IR) thermometer is accommodated on a farright side of the wall mounted configuration 1040.

While the present invention has been explained with reference to thestructure disclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forthand this invention is intended to cover any modifications and changes asmay come within the scope and spirit of the following claims.

1. A frame for integrating a plurality of health-care equipment modules,the frame comprising: a supporting structure providing a mechanicalinterface including at least one rail that is oriented substantiallyparallel to a supporting axis and configured for engagement with each ofa plurality of modules at one time, each of the plurality of modulesincluding an embedded component; and an electrical interface between acomputing component and the embedded component, wherein the computingcomponent is configured for providing a software interface enabling asoftware connection between the computing component and the embeddedcomponent, the software interface configured to establish interoperationbetween the computing component and the embedded component, and whereinat least one of electrical power and data is configured to betransferred between the computing component and the embedded componentvia at least one of the electrical interface and the software interface.2. The frame of claim 1 wherein the data transfer mechanism includes auniversal serial bus (USB), a universal serial bus (USB) host and auniversal serial bus (USB) hub, and a universal serial bus (USB) moduleend-point connection.
 3. The frame of claim 1 wherein the module isconfigured to input information from a sensory device.
 4. The frame ofclaim 3 wherein the sensory device is configured for measurement of aphysiological parameter.
 5. The frame of claim 3 wherein the sensorydevice is a hand-held device.
 6. The frame of claim 5 wherein thehand-held device is a medical diagnostic instrument.
 7. The frame ofclaim 2, wherein the universal serial bus (USB) module end-pointconnection is for connection to the embedded component.
 8. The frame ofclaim 7 wherein a universal serial bus (USB) cable provides theuniversal serial bus (USB) module end point connection, the universalserial bus (USB) cables having a first end electrically attached to theuniversal serial bus (USB) host via the universal serial bus (USB) huband a second end electrically attached to the universal serial bus (USB)module end-point connection.
 9. The frame of claim 2 wherein theuniversal serial bus (USB) module end-point connection supplies voltagewithin universal serial bus (USB) standards while supplying currentsubstantially in excess of universal serial bus (USB) standards.
 10. Theframe of claim 2 wherein the computing component is electricallyattached to a non-module universal serial bus (USB) hub connectionaccessible from an exterior of the frame and from an exterior of amodule mechanically attached to the frame via the supporting structure.11. The frame of claim 10 wherein the non-module universal serial bus(USB) hub connection supplies voltage and current within universalserial bus (USB) standards and wherein the universal serial bus (USB)module end-point connection supplies voltage within universal serial bus(USB) standards while simultaneously supplying current substantially inexcess of universal serial bus (USB) standards.
 12. The frame of claim11 wherein the computing component transmits a command at least throughone of a non-module universal serial bus (USB) host to an externalcomponent or the universal serial bus (USB) to the embedded component,to transition to a sleep mode.
 13. The frame of claim 11 wherein theuniversal serial bus (USB) module end-point connection is designed tosupply voltage between 4.75 volts and 5.25 volts and designed to supplycurrent at a rate greater than or equal to 1.5 amperes.
 14. The frame ofclaim 2 wherein the software interface executes a protocol communicatingat least one of a vendor-identification value and product-identificationvalue from the embedded component to the computing component via theuniversal serial bus (USB) module end point connection.
 15. The frame ofclaim 2 wherein the computing component and the universal serial bus(USB) end-point module connection is isolated via a five-volt tofive-volt isolation transformer.
 16. The frame of claim 1 wherein theframe is further configured to be one of a desktop configuration, a wallconfiguration, a mobile configuration, a hand-carriable configuration,or a bed configuration.
 17. The frame of claim 16 wherein each of thedesktop configuration, the wall configuration, the mobile configuration,the hand-carriable configuration, and the bed configuration interoperatewith equipment modules without modification to the mechanical interface,the electrical interface, or the software interface of the module. 18.The frame of claim 16 wherein the module is configured to be attachedand detached from any one of the desktop configuration, the wallconfiguration, the mobile configuration, the hand-carriableconfiguration, and the bed configuration.
 19. The frame of claim 1further comprising an enclosure for the module, the enclosure having adiscrete width corresponding to an integer number of multiple units ofwidth, the discrete width corresponding to a width of the module. 20.The frame of claim 1 wherein the module is configured as a dockingstation for a hand-held device.
 21. The frame of claim 20 wherein themodule is a docking station for at least one of an otoscope, anophthalmoscope, a rhinoscope, a laryngnoscope, an anoscope, aaudiometer, a tympanometric instrument, a thermometer, and avaginoscope.
 22. The frame of claim 1 wherein the module is at least oneof a blood pressure measuring module and a pulse oximetry measurementmodule.
 23. The frame of claim 1 wherein the electrical interface isprovided as a feature of a commercially available computer, whereby thecomputer can function as the computing component.
 24. A frame forintegrating a plurality of health-care equipment modules, the framecomprising: a supporting structure configured for a mechanical interfacedesign including at least one rail that is oriented substantiallyparallel to a supporting axis and configured for engagement with each ofa plurality of modules at one time, each of the plurality of moduleshaving various widths, dimensioned to engage the supporting structure,and dimensioned to enclose an embedded component; and an electricalinterface providing at least one of electrical power and data transferbetween a computing component and each embedded component, and whereinthe computing component is configured for providing a software interfacefor enabling a software connection between the computing component andeach embedded component having an electrical interface providing datatransfer.
 25. The frame of claim 24 wherein the plurality of modules areadjacent to each other.
 26. The frame of claim 24 wherein the softwareinterface is configured to permit or deny interoperation between thecomputing component and each embedded component.
 27. A frame forintegrating a plurality of health-care equipment modules, the framecomprising: a supporting structure having a mechanical interface designincluding at least one rail that is oriented substantially parallel to asupporting axis and configured for engagement with each of a pluralityof modules at one time, each of the plurality of modules comprising anembedded component for facilitating determination of a least one of aplurality of physiological parameters; each of the plurality of moduleshaving a height dimension and a depth dimension that are eachperpendicular to a supporting axis of said modules and substantiallyuniform in size between each of said modules, and where each of saidmodules has a width dimension parallel to said supporting axis and wheresaid width dimension is not restricted to being substantially uniformand can vary substantially between each of said modules, so that one ofsaid modules can comprise an embedded component of substantiallydifferent type or size relative to another embedded component comprisedwithin another of said modules; an electrical interface providing atleast one of electrical power and data transfer between a computingcomponent and each embedded component, and wherein the computingcomponent is configured for providing a software interface includingexecution of a communications protocol that is configured to establishinteroperation between the computing component and the embeddedcomponent, and wherein at least one of electrical power and data isconfigured to be transferred between the computing component and theembedded component via at least one of the electrical interface and thesoftware interface.
 28. A frame of claim 27 where each of said moduleshas two substantially planar surfaces that are substantially parallel toeach other and perpendicular to said supporting axis.
 29. A frame forintegrating a plurality of health-care equipment modules, the framecomprising: a supporting structure providing a mechanical interfaceincluding at least one rail that is oriented substantially parallel to asupporting axis and configured for engagement with each of a pluralityof modules at one time, each of the plurality of modules including anembedded component; and an electrical interface between a computingcomponent and the embedded component, and wherein the computingcomponent is configured for providing a software interface configured toestablish interoperation between the computing component and theembedded component, and wherein at least one of electrical power anddata is configured to be transferred between the computing component andthe embedded component via at least one of the electrical interface andthe software interface, and wherein the software interface includesexecution of a communications protocol that enables the embeddedcomponent to identify itself to the computing component by communicatingat least one of a vendor-identification value and aproduct-identification value to the computing component.
 30. The frameof claim 29 wherein the computing component performs a decision topermit or deny interoperation between the computing component and theembedded component and wherein the decision is based upon at least oneof the vendor-identification value and the product-identification value.31. The frame of claim 30 where the computing component is implementedas an embedded component within at least one of the plurality ofmodules.